Mark your calendars, candy lovers, because this summer New Times is launching a brand-new event that combines two of our favorite things: desserts (everything from candy and chocolate to pastries galore) and craft cocktails.

Sounds good, right? Yeah, we know.

The Sips and Sweets event will be held on Saturday, June 25, from 3 to 6 p.m. at The Vintage 45 in downtown Phoenix. Attendees will be able to sample desserts from a line-up of local pastry chefs, candy makers, and food artisans, as well as drinks from 10 of our favorite local mixologists.

Participating chefs and confectioners include LaDawn Driscoll of Liberty Market, Julie Moreno of Jewel's Bakery, Tracy Dempsey of Tracy Dempsey Originals, Holly Heizenrider of MacAlpine's Soda Fountain, and Jim and Maureen Elitzak of Zak's Chocolate. Brandon Casey of The Ostrich and Libby Longlott of The Bees Knees at the Camby Hotel will be shaking up cocktails. And we'll be announcing more names soon.

Tickets to the inaugural event go on sale to the public on Monday, May 9 — and we've got a special deal for New Times readers. Between now and Monday, you can purchase tickets online using the code "SSBLOG."

General admission to the event includes entry into the event, unlimited sweets samples, 10 samples of cocktails, beer and wine, and access to the handcrafted vendor village. VIP tickets, meanwhile, include all of the general admission perks, plus one hour early entry into the event at 2 p.m. and a special gift bag.

A portion of proceeds from the event will go to Careers through Culinary Arts Program, a national non-profit that works with public schools to prepare under-served high-school students for college and career opportunities in the restaurant and hospitality industry.